THOUSANDS of women from across East Lancashire have reminded us about the meaning of self-sacrifice over the past fortnight.

At the weekend, 2,000 trekkers trooped from Turf Moor to Nelson and back in the hope of raising £200,000 for Pendleside Hospice.

And seven days before that, 800 took part in the third annual Silver Starlight Walk for Blackburn’s East Lancashire Hospice, with the aim of swelling their coffers by £100,000.

In the days of self-serving MPs and fat-cat bosses, it’s heartening to see so many ready to give up their Saturday nights for free. Many of the walkers on both nights were remembering dearly departed loved ones or friends, who had spent their final days at the respective hospices.

The Starlight Walk has fast become a much-anticipated fixture in Blackburn’s social calendar.

And judging by the reaction to the first-ever Midnight Walk where double the anticipated number took part, the same could soon be said of its Burnley and Pendle equivalent.

The sight of thousands of flashing bunny ears, donned by the Pendleside amblers, was a joy to behold.

Next year, perhaps, even more kindly people will be encouraged to support these vital fundraisers.